Castlereagh 1812 - 1815 Flashcards
What was Castlereagh’s decision regarding war? Why did he do this?
Castlereagh knew that negotiating with Napoleon would not lead to lasting peace. Anyway, Britain could not accept French domination of Europe. Therefore, Castlereagh’s decisions to reject negotiation and keep fighting was correct.
What did Castlereagh decide to do to inspire the British allies?
He sent 20,000 extra soldiers to Spain in June 1812. This was important as Britain’s continuing success in Spain gave Britain’s allies confidence to join the fight and keep fighting.
What did Castlereagh work hard for?
The creation of a Sixth Coalition with Russia, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, Bavaria and Saxony.
Why was Castlereagh determined to make the Sixth Coalition last?
The previous five had fallen apart.
In March 1814, Castlereagh personally negotiated with the allies in the Sixth Coalition. This was unusual and showed his determination to get this coalition right and make sure Napoleon was totally defeated.
When was the Treaty of Chaumont? What was agreed there?
March 1814. Castlereagh gave the allies £26 million, more than had been given before. This was also a sign that he wanted this coalition to work.
What did the Treaty of Chaumont show?
Castlereagh also showed he was thinking beyond Napoleon’s defeat. He got the coalition to agree to improve cooperation between the powers after the war. They agreed to try and make a lasting settlement that would keep Europe free from war for 20 years.
Who did Castlereagh make peace with in 1814?
The USA. British troops had even destroyed the White House and Capitol Building in a drawing attack on Washington in August 1814. Castlereagh saw peace as more important than victory, so he made concessions with the USA at the Treaty of Ghent in December 1814.
How is Castlereagh’s policy between 1812 and 1814 considered?
It must be considered a success.
When was the Congress of Vienna?
September 1814 - June 1815.
What happened at the Congress of Vienna?
A meeting of European ambassadors to they and bring about a peace settlement.
It was agreed that Britain gained colonial possessions in return for the huge amount of money it had invested in the war, such as Malta which gave Britain new naval bases.
What sparked the Congress System?
The Congress of Vienna - this was a major success for him.
What had Castlereagh achieved by 1815?
He had contained France, improved co-operation through the introduction of the congress System, had made sure no power dominated Europe and increased British trade opportunities and increased the empire.
